At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our nursery class and help children thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Hillwood Primary School, a community-focused primary school in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with strong relationships between staff, parents, and pupils.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children, especially those with emotional and behavioural needs.
The predicted salary is between 26806 - 27032 € per year.
Early Years Assistant - Fixed Term until 30/06/2027
Salary: £26,806-£27,032 (pro rata for part-time and sessional)
Hours: 36 per week, 39 weeks sessional
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Early Years Assistant to support our nursery class at Hillwood Primary School for the academic session 2026-2027. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and skilled with relevant experience of working with children in an educational setting. Ideally, they should also have relevant experience of supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs and be skilled in establishing effective positive relationships with children.
At Hillwood, we are committed to providing a nurturing, stimulating and inclusive environment where children are encouraged to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to approach life and learning with confidence.
Hillwood Primary School is a small non-denominational primary school situated on the western outskirts of Edinburgh. The school currently has 100 pupils organised into 4 composite classes and an Early Years nursery class providing for eligible 2-year olds and 3-5 year olds delivering 1140 hours during term time only.
The school is led by a management team consisting of a Head Teacher, a Principal Teacher and a Business Manager. There are four composite classes led by a mix of six full time and part time class teachers and a Support for Learning Teacher. The Early Years nursery class is supported by 1 EYO, 3 EYPs and 1 EYA. Management and Teachers are all ably supported by a team of Pupil Support Assistants, a part time School Administrator and Facilities Technician.
The extensive school grounds are well developed with pupil gardens, picnic tables, a gazebo, a trim trail and a sports pitch. We have a strong focus on outdoor learning, loose parts play, forest visits and the Daily Mile. We are a nurturing school and believe that building strong positive relationships with our whole school community is key to success in learning for all. Hillwood has a strong positive ethos and presence in the community.
This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check. An unconditional offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
As part of our goal to improve organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure we're recruiting the best people. We're interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Therefore, part of our interview process will be an assessment of how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
Happy to talk flexible working.
Early Years Assistant - Hillwood Primary School - 14727_1779453925 in Newbridge employer: CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
Hillwood Primary School is an exceptional employer that prioritises a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on outdoor learning and community engagement, employees are encouraged to develop meaningful relationships and contribute to a positive school ethos. The school offers opportunities for professional growth and values diversity, making it an ideal place for those passionate about early years education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Assistant - Hillwood Primary School - 14727_1779453925 in Newbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Hillwood Primary School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on social media or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your skills in supporting children, especially those with emotional and behavioural needs. Use real-life examples to showcase your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Hillwood team.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Assistant - Hillwood Primary School - 14727_1779453925 in Newbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for our little ones.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in educational settings, especially with children who have emotional and behavioural needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do at Hillwood!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know the real you, so share your unique approach to building positive relationships with children.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Early Years Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with young children. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built positive relationships with children. This will demonstrate your commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Hillwood Primary School values collaboration among staff. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight any experiences where you've supported colleagues or contributed to a positive school culture, as this aligns with their ethos of community and teamwork.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess how you embody the behaviours of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility. Think of scenarios from your previous roles that illustrate these qualities. Practising your responses will help you articulate your approach to work and show that you align with the school's values.